Date: Saturday, March 10Meet time: 9:30 a.m.
Ride-out time: 10:00 a.m.
Meeting place: Parking lot at Villa and Franklin streets, Mountain View (across from the Tied House) (map)
City: Mountain View
Rain policy: Heavy rain cancels
Category: 3 - moderate-fast pace (12-15 mph)
Terrain: 3 - rolling hills with some steep climbs
Miles: 69
Description:
A new route for the Distance Training rides! We start with a gentle route to Los Gatos (no Mount Eden), and then we'll cross Blossom Hill on our way to Santa Teresa Blvd., which we'll do in the eastbound direction (the opposite of what we've always done in past years) through South San Jose. After a quick rest stop, we'll make our way to the highlight of the day: Metcalf Road, a steep 2-mile climb that's a local favorite and has been part of the Lance Armstrong Livestrong Challenge in San Jose. The good news is that Metcalf is the only significant climb of the day; the return is mostly urban (and parallels light rail almost all the way, in case you need to bail out) along
Strava reports about 2,650 feet of climbing for this route.
This ride is Caltrain- and VTA-friendly. The first southbound train of the day leaves SF at 8:15 and arrives in Mountain View at 9:29. We're about four blocks from the station.
Note: Sunset for today is 6:11 p.m. All riders must complete the route before sunset; riding after sunset is not allowed on this ride, even if you have proper lighting.
RSVPs are requested but not required. 